Leadamalgam is a rare mercury-palladium alloy typically found as small grains in alluvial deposits. Due to its high mercury content, it has a distinctively high density and metallic luster, though it is often dull or tarnished in field environments.

Hardness

3.5

Mohs

Luster

Metallic

Streak

Silver-white

Transparency

Opaque

mineralrareAmalgam Group family

Leadamalgam

Also: Potarite

Hardness: 3.5
Luster: Metallic
Streak: Silver-white
Transparency: Opaque

No image

Is this leadamalgam?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch leadamalgam with a known reference. Leadamalgam sits at Mohs 3.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Leadamalgam leaves a silver-white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Leadamalgam typically shows a metallic luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: silver-white.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: cubic. Typical habit: massive, granular, or small grains.

Often confused with

Leadamalgam vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Streak differs, so Leadamalgam leaves silver-white, Stibiopalladinite leaves black.

Compare →

Often found alongside leadamalgam

Minerals reported to co-occur with leadamalgam. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: PdHg
Mohs hardness: 3.5
Density: 13.0-15.0 g/cm³
Colors: Silver-white
Streak: Silver-white
Luster: Metallic
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal system: Cubic
Crystal habit: Massive, Granular, Or Small Grains
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Rare
Uses: Collector
Host rock: Alluvial Deposits
Typical price: $100-500 per specimen

Where rockhounds find leadamalgam

Classic worldwide localities

Guyana
Russia
Brazil

Field-hunting tip

Look in alluvial deposits country, the host setting where leadamalgam typically forms. If you start seeing gold, hematite, diamond in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a massive, granular, or small grains habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify leadamalgam?+

Mohs hardness is 3.5. It typically shows a metallic luster. The streak is silver-white. Common colors include silver-white.

Where is leadamalgam found?+

Notable localities include Guyana; Russia; Brazil.

How much is leadamalgam worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $100-500 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

Is leadamalgam safe to handle?+

It contains toxic constituents. Contains mercury and palladium; avoid handling directly. Wash hands thoroughly after contact and avoid inhaling any dust. Handle with care, avoid grinding or breathing dust, and store separately.

What rocks look like leadamalgam?+

Leadamalgam is most often confused with Silver, Native Mercury, Stibiopalladinite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with leadamalgam?+

Leadamalgam commonly co-occurs with Gold, Hematite, Diamond. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does leadamalgam form in?+

Leadamalgam typically forms in alluvial deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is leadamalgam used for?+

Leadamalgam is used in collector.

Find leadamalgam on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.